Investigation on Strategy of Enhancing Surrender of Untracked Foreign Workers in Taiwan

Taiwan has been importing workers from Southeast-Asian countries for almost two decades. To date, there are over 600,000 foreign workers in Taiwan, proportionately dominated by Indonesian and Vietnamese workers. The introduction of foreign labor force has caused a growing problem of "untracked foreign workers", referring to those who have been reported missing for over 72 hrs by employers. So far, the number of untracked foreign workers is around 50,000 and is constantly increasing. According to statistics, the number of crimes committed by foreign workers has increased from 268 in year 2010 to 1017 in year 2015, which seriously affects the management of foreign workers and the maintenance of social security in Taiwan. This study utilizes databases of National Immigration Agency and Ministry of Labor. By analyzing annual trend of long-term data, it indicates that different nationality of foreign workers presents different escape model. Lunar New Year is the highest run-away peak for Vietnamese workers, while winter and summer vacations for Indonesian workers. Aiming at over 50,000 untracked foreign workers, this study also evaluates a new "Penalty Standard for Untracked Foreign Workers" to enhance their willingness to surrender and depart on their own. By setting precise benchmarks of administrative fines, it will effectively motivate run-away foreign workers to surrender.